Ethiopians in Dallas Raise $ 31,000 to Assist Saudi Victims

February 26, 2014

Ato Birhan Mekonnen, chairman of the MAAEC(second from right), handing the check over to USAIM representative, at the USAIM’s office in Washington DC.

Under the leadership of The Mutual Assistance Association for the Ethiopian Community (MAAEC), we Ethiopians living in the Dallas Fort Worth area have come together to assist our brothers and sisters who are victims of the violent crackdown and deportation in Saudi Arabia. As a result, $31,000 has so far been raised for the cause. Ato Birhan Mekonnen, chairman of the MAAEC, handed over the check ($31,000) to the representatives of United States Association for International Migration (USAIM) in a ceremony conducted on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2014 at the latter’s office, in Washington DC. The remaining uncollected fund will be delivered in due time. USAIM is an organization engaged on providing the much-needed humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable Ethiopians returning from Saudi Arabia.

Following the news of the inhuman and horrible Saudi crack down on Ethiopians living in the kingdom couple of months ago, the Ethiopian community in Dallas Fort Worth joined hands with the world wide campaign to stand for the human rights of our Ethiopian sisters and brothers. MAAEC had issued a press release condemning the act, organized a historic protest demonstration at the Federal building in Dallas, and conducted a candle vigil night to memorize in memory of those died in the violence. Once again we reaffirm our solidarity with our brothers and sisters and pledge to continue to do all we can to help them in the future.